Food Hub Operations Associate

Job Title: Food Hub Operations Associate
Location: Alternative Structures International dba Kahumana
86-660 Lualualei Homestead road, Waianae, HI, 96792
Department(s): Food Hub Operations
Reports To: Operations Leads
Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Remote Work: None

About us:
Kahumana is a part of a large 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Alternative Structures
International) that consists of an organic farm, a Food Hub, a farm-to-table café, retreat center, educational tours and programs for youth, a Learning Center for people with developmental disabilities, housing for homeless families, and a commercial kitchen producing meals for socially disadvantaged children.
Our mission is to “co-create a healthy, inclusive and productive farm-based community with homeless families, people with disabilities and youth. We accomplish this through the practices of Mindfulness, Empathy, and Working Together.”

Kahumana Food Hub & Organic Farms is a diverse operation consisting of a certified organic farm, a farm hub that aggregates produce from farmers in Hawaii, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, a commercial kitchen and café, and a wholesale restaurant and retail store accounts.

Job Summary:
The Food Hub Operations Associate is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the food hub, ensuring that orders are accurately assembled, produce is properly processed, and deliveries are prepared efficiently. This role is vital in maintaining the quality and efficiency of Kahumana’s services, working closely with the Food Hub Operations Lead and other team members to meet the needs of our customers and farmers.

Key Responsibilities:
● Produce Processing:
○ Sort, wash, and prepare vegetables and fruits as needed.
○ Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the processing area.
○ Ensure that all produce is handled according to food safety standards.
● Order Assembly:
○ Accurately assemble customer orders according to daily and weekly schedules.
○ Ensure that orders are packed with the correct items, quantities, and quality
standards.
○ Label and organize orders for delivery.
● Receiving Produce:
○ Receive and inspect produce deliveries from farmers/hubbers.
○ Check for quality, freshness, and any discrepancies in quantity or variety.
○ Properly store and organize incoming produce in designated areas.
● CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Support:
○ Assist in the planning and preparation of weekly CSA shares.
○ Pack CSA boxes with a variety of produce, ensuring diversity and balance
according to seasonal availability.
○ Coordinate with the Food Hub Manager to ensure that CSA boxes are packed
according to customer preferences and any special instructions.
● Value-Added Product Support:
○ Assist in the preparation and packaging of value-added products (e.g.
Dehydrated Fruits, Powder Capsules, Purees) using produce from the food hub.
○ Ensure that all value-added products meet quality and safety standards.
○ Help with labeling, packaging, and organizing value-added products for sale or
distribution.
● Inventory Management:
○ Assist in monitoring inventory levels and report any shortages or surpluses.
○ Help maintain accurate records of incoming and outgoing produce/VA Products.
● Quality Control:
○ Regularly inspect produce for quality and freshness throughout the processing
and packing stages.
○ Report any quality issues to the Food Hub Manager.
● General Support:
○ Assist with loading and unloading deliveries as needed.
○ Maintain cleanliness and organization in all work areas, including the warehouse,
processing areas, and storage units.
○ Participate in team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of
food hub operations.

Qualifications:
● High school diploma or equivalent.
● Previous experience in food handling, agriculture, or warehouse operations is preferred.
● Strong attention to detail and ability to work efficiently.
● Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
● Knowledge of basic food safety practices is a plus.
● Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.

Work Environment:
● The role may require standing for extended periods, working in refrigerated areas, and
handling perishable goods.
● The Food Hub Operations Associate may occasionally need to work outside normal
business hours to meet delivery schedules or manage peak periods.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Waianae, HI 96792 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16